The “Toro Nagashi” or lantern floating is a summer tradition. As for the timing, it is held in August in many areas but we are introducing it a bit early to help you in planning ahead for your trip. The area we choose to introduce this time is the event held in Asakusa. [margin_50b]

In the background is the Sky Tree which can be seen from this Sumida-gawa River. Each person’s lantern is sent off into the river. There are also roofed pleasure boats that run here and it’s a very alluring scene.

The ancestors’ spirits are believed to come back during Obon and the meaning that lies in the Toro Nagashi is to send the ancestral spirits back to heaven. Originally, it was not considered a festival but a quiet observance. However, because of how beautiful it is, in recent days it is often held in conjunction with fireworks (hanabi) festivals or summer festivals and is considered more of a festivity.

Each lantern carries prayers or sentiments. You see, the child’s wish “I hope to make more friends” is inscribed on the lantern he has made. There’s also a mother and child with their hands held together in prayer, in front of a lantern with a drawing of a person.

Once completed, each person releases their own lantern from a special slope that is set up in the terrace.

In recent years, the released lanterns are all collected afterwards by a local group in consideration of the environment. It is a very cumbersome but very important task.

The night will go on and on.

Get your yukata (summer kimono), get dressed in your summer attire and make a visit. It is sure to be a fun night :)

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